The Surprising God

This post exegetes Hebrews chapter 11 providing context for the Epistle readings on 8/10 and 8/17/25. the 8th and 9th Sundays after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe (The Bible Expository Commentary) and F.F. Bruce (The Epistle to the Hebrews). Introduction Prior to chapter 11 in Hebrews, we learn that Jesus is the Superior Person (chapters 1-6), with the Superior Priesthood (chapters 7-10).  These truths form the basis for the Christian faith, namely allegiance to and trust in Jesus only. This faith is Superior Faith because it is greater than that offered by the old covenant. Because they were being persecuted for their trust in Jesus, the original Jewish Christian readers of this book were tempted to return to the inferior faith of the old covenant. It’s easier for all of us to trust in the known and visible than in the invisible realities of God.  Chapter 10 ends with this exhortation: “My righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I wil...

This post exegetes Colossians 3:1-11, providing context for the Epistle reading on 8/3/25. the 8th Sunday after Pentecost. Insights are drawn from Warren Wiersbe ("Bible Expository Commentary") and Peter T. O’Brien ("New Bible Commentary"). "Christ with His Disciples" by Mironov (public domain via Wikimedia Commons) Introduction  The theology of Paul’s Epistles centers fully on Jesus and the creation and outworking of the union that all humanity has with him. Our personal realization of and active participation in that union proceeds in three interrelated steps:   1. Belong . This is the declaration of what is true already of all humanity, namely, that in and through Christ (our Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer), God includes all humanity in his life and love. He has made us all his dearly loved children. And he has done this for us and to us, apart from any work or merit of our own. It’s thus his gift of pure grace. And now the Spirit brings us a choice: t...